Research Area #1 | Seafood & Water > Biotoxins

Biotoxins are a severe problem in the Eastern Pacific region and include Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning or PSP and domoic acid poisoning. Biotoxins are produced by algae and accumulate in shellfish when they filter feed. Human illness or death follows ingestion of tainted shellfish. In addition, biotoxins can have sublethal effects, such as short-term memory loss caused by domoic acid poisoning. Biotoxins are also responsible for many shellfish harvest closings and large economic losses in coastal regions.

Research Projects (2004-2009)

Develop new sensors and protocols for in situ detection of phytoplankton to improve understanding of community dynamics that lead to harmful algal blooms and to help develop an early warning capability.

Improve understanding of shellfish resistance and tolerance to toxins to "type" shellfish and classify their tendency to retain or release toxins.